El Olivo

Time Out says

3 out of 5 stars

Details

Users say
(15)

4 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

3 out of 5 stars

Paellas bristling with chicken, chorizo and seafood and served in the pan are the real deal here, popular with locals seeking a change of cuisine. A tapas bar in a Turkish stronghold, El Olivo only concedes defeat when it comes to the bread – which is not Spanish but lovely, warm, locally baked and indispensable for scooping up aubergine cooked to melting softness or tender albóndigas with red peppers. No surfeit of oil to mop up, mind. While tapas can be tired and oily, these taste fresh and perky. Black pudding with rice instead of oats was delightfully herby. More typical and tip-top were soft, bouncy calamares and slightly crisp patatas bravas. In contrast, padrón peppers could have done with a little longer on the grill, and the tortilla came topped with unnecessary salad-creamy aïoli. Tarta de santiago with vanilla ice-cream (nothing special) or flan coated with synthetic-tasting strawberry sauce aren’t worth saving space for either. Gypsy-style violin music and a woody interior with wagon-wheel lights won’t win awards for a cutting-edge environment, but pleasant service and well-priced wines, along with the savoury food, easily tip the balance in El Ol’s favour.

Shame I did not read Time Out review before entering this restaurant. I will be even harsher than Time Out: Appalling tasteless tapas. Plus since when tortilla and croquetas de pollo are systematically smeared with some aioli cream? The "best" dish was the aubergine tapas together with the non spanish bread. Which makes me think that this supposedly Spanish restaurant should become a Turkish one. On the bright side yes the service was good and contrarily to the reviewer I found the music and the traditional setting most authentic for a Spanish restaurant.

As a local to Church Street and a great food lover, El Olivo is one of those places you keep going back to. The quality of food, rustic atmosphere and excellent value for money make this place one of the best authentic tapas places in London. I recommend the octopus with paprika, sliced potatoes and E.V Olive Oil.

I love this place. I came across it about a month ago and have been here so many times since. The portion size is good, especially the Spanish breakfast. I love the fresh peppermint tea that is served with just fresh leaves. The staff are always kind and make me feel relaxed. Brilliant food, not too expensive and kind staff. I highly recommend.